Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – First Sunday in Lent: February 21, 2021

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to our online worship and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the First Sunday in Lent.  All essential links are noted below. 

I prayerfully request that we continue to refrain from gathering with other parishioners in public groups, particularly in restaurants, indoor spaces, or even outdoors without masks. COVID-19 is not a hoax.  We are all in this together, and honoring our parish community, by complying with the recommendations set forth during this time, conveys our love for God in Christ, the members of our parish family, and the wider community.

Here are two links that may be helpful:

Lancaster County, PA COVID-19 Hub

PA Department of Health

Father Rick+

We continue to offer our love and support to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth by staying in touch with cards and letters of comfort.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please contact the parish office for the addresses of Emily Casey and Elizabeth Casey Stauffer. 

As we begin our Lenten journey, we are reminded that we must rest, to make room for lament. Let us also remember to make room for God’s love and to find rest in God.  Perhaps a simple act of kindness for an essential worker, or someone in our community, who has not been able to rest in this COVID19 wilderness would be a way for us to live into our Baptismal Covenant.  Tonight, let us pray for all those who have died this past year:

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day all those who have died in the past year. We thank you for giving them to us, their family and friends, to know and to love as companions on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer, p. 493

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle


Sunday Service Information:

Click here to connect to the First Sunday in Lent, February 21st, which will be live streamed at 10:00 AM on Sunday.  

Click here to download our service bulletin for the First Sunday in Lent.

*If you enjoy the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA YouTube channel, and you have a Gmail or YouTube account, the next time you tune in, please click the red SUBSCRIBE button on the home page to be included as a subscriber to St. Edward’s!  We would welcome the support and we will not generate any unwanted notifications to you.  Become a part of our St. Edward’s community!   Thank you to those who have subscribed! 


We also wanted to take this opportunity to share with you important announcements regarding upcoming events, as well as prayer and adult spiritual formation opportunities.

We continue to honor the guidance delivered by our bishop, as well as our love of God in Christ, to care for one another, by remaining socially distanced, and refrain from in-person worship and gathering.  There are many opportunities for us to worship, and perform ministry, in community, in other ways, during this continued Covidtide. Please see a listing below and stay tuned to our weekly emails, web site posts, and Sunday bulletins for updates on specific details, as we are updated, with times and links. We invite you to celebrate with us, as a community of faith!


Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday, February 21st, from 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM, on Zoom. Hosted by Christina McLaughlin. Let us share our fellowship with one another during our extended Covidtide. The join code and pass code are in our Saturday email.


Please continue your support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry. Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Soles 4 Souls: St. Edward’s, with Saint John’s of Lancaster will collect shoes through Palm Sunday, March 28th and we invite parishioners to donate used shoes. The shoes can be lightly used to falling apart. Collection boxes will be placed in the sanctuary. Please tie any laced shoes together and rubber and other types. There is also a need for shipping boxes approximately the size of an office paper box. Any questions can be directed to our outreach ministry members: Lynch’s, Milligan’s, Ishler’s, Peg Reiley, or Leslie Arnold.

We are pleased to announce that through the generosity of our parish family we have filled our Altar flower chart for 2021. Thank you to all who so graciously donated to this important ministry to enhance the beauty of our altar, “in memory of” and “in thanksgiving for” those whom we love.

Our Monday email details ALL parish business items including: The posting of bios for our vestry nominees and details surrounding our March 7th Annual Meeting – a very important event in the life of St. Edward’s.

Please come by St. Edward’s Monday – Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM to pick up consecrated wafers, Scepters, New 2021 Parish Directories, Lenten Mediations, etc.

St. Edward’s is offering a full complement of Adult Spiritual Formation which continues through Lent! Please check your weekly emails which will have all the study details & Zoom invitation details.

Bible Study: Wednesday Evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: For questions, please contact Bob Mosebach at [email protected] or Leslie Arnold at [email protected].

Lunch & Learn: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices: Fridays from 12 Noon – 1 PM led by Bob Mosebach

The Way of the Cross: Go to our St. Edward’s YouTube Channel to view our Stations of the Cross, each week, as a Lenten discipline. You will find the pre-recorded offering and a Way of the Cross pdf to download.
The Way of the Cross on the St. Edward’s YouTube Channel, click here.

The Way of the Cross order of service pdf, click here.

Friday Evening Prayer: Each Friday at 7:00 PM hosted by Patrick and Dina Ishler
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

Sunday Evening Prayer: Each Sunday at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested can send Br. David Rutledge an email to be put on an email distribution list: [email protected] Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95355083080 Meeting ID: 953 5508 3080

Besides prayers, calls, cards and emails, there is one more thing you can do to support St. Edward’s. Please keep up-to-date with your pledge or regular contribution.  Pledges/giving can be mailed to the church, and we also have an easy-to-use “Give to St. Edward’s” button on our website that links to our secure Paypal page, as well as a “Donate” button on our YouTube Channel home page.

To assist parishes, the diocese has set up online giving for each parish.  If you feel comfortable making your weekly giving or pledge donation in this manner (it is a secure giving tool), simply go to the diocesan web site, click on the tab up top and it will take you to a page where you can scroll down, find St. Edward’s, and continue with making your contribution!  Thank you for maintaining your faithfulness through your financial stewardship!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

St. Edward’s Thursday Message – February 18th

Dear parishioners & friends of St. Edward’s,

We hope everyone stayed safe and warm today and took this day to reflect on the beginning of their Lenten journey.

As a friendly reminder: Thursday emails will now focus on prayers to hold in your hearts and minds, as well as worship and spiritual formation offerings at St. Edward’s for Thursday – Sunday (outside of our principal Sunday service, which is featured in our Saturday email message).

Parish business will be addressed in Monday emails and will also be featured in the Sunday bulletin announcements page. Please make sure you stay caught up with those two information sources.  We have a lot going on at St. Edward’s!

In our Book of Common Prayer, we have a Calendar of Saints, which begins on page 19.  In the Episcopal Church, the veneration of saints is the continuation of an ancient tradition from the early Church, honoring important and influential people of the Christian faith. Perhaps during Lent, a “journey” could be to “remember” by exploring the lives of the saints noted in our calendar.

Did you also know that for the Principal Feast of Easter Day, it is always the first Sunday after the full moon that falls on or after March 21st?  Easter Day cannot occur before March 22nd or after April 25th.

As we protect ourselves from our own cold weather and wintry storms, let us pray two Collects, tonight, for all who are suffering from peril, not just in the areas of our country that are suffering with the terrible winter storms, but in the regions of the world where all of God’s creations encounter peril, daily, in their lives.

A Collect for Aid against Perils
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy
defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love
of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Collect for Protection
O God, the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the
strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We
thank you for the blessings of the day that is past, and
humbly ask for your protection through the coming night.
Bring us in safety to the morning hours; through him who
died and rose again for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.


Many people stopped by to pick up a printed copy of our special February issue of the Scepter, dedicated to the life of Father Stephen+.  If you are a person who likes to view items online, we have a special page on our sainteds.org website to view our monthly newsletter.
Click here to view our Scepter issues page.

Sending handwritten cards and notes, with memories, photos, and favorite stories to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth is a wonderful way to let them know they continue to be in our hearts and prayers.   If you would like to make a soup or stew, in small quantities, please contact the parish office to sign up for our next delivery, which is on Thursday, February  25th.  We are asking for these “main dish” hearty meals in place of baked goods.  This is a wonderful pastoral ministry of comfort.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please contact the parish office if you would like addresses for Emily and Elizabeth.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Worship News:

We continue to offer consecrated wafers for our service of Holy Eucharist this Sunday, safely packaged and available in the narthex.  Please enter through our front doors between the hours of 11 AM – 3 PM, Monday – Friday.  If you are in need of delivery of wafers, Scepters, etc. please contact the parish office.  

The Way of the Cross Lenten Weekly Devotion
We extend a warm invitation to our parishioners, and to those in the wider community, to participate in this weekly devotion on Fridays during the season of Lent. We thank Edward Webber for his wonderful artwork, capturing each of the fourteen Stations of the Cross. It is our sincere hope that this will serve as an invitation to prayer and contemplation as we continue to worship from our homes.

The Way of the Cross pdf and YouTube link information are noted below.
The Way of the Cross on the St. Edward’s YouTube Channel, click here.

The Way of the Cross order of service pdf, click here.

Lenten Meditations 2021 booklets:  Episcopal Relief & Development offers a wonderful booklet of meditations to take you through your Lenten journey.  This year, ER&D is offering this booklet in an online version.  You can click here to download the pdf.  We will also do on-demand printing of the booklet pdf for those who would like a printed copy to take home.  Just let us know if you would like a printed copy!

WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL FORMATION CALENDAR VIA ZOOM
New and Updated: Adult Spiritual Formation – Winter 2021 Flier – Click here to view/download

Friday Lunch & Learn:  February 19th 12 Noon – 1 PM via Zoom
We continue our study with Chapter 8 in our text, Walk in Love, For the Benefit of Your Holy Church – Sacramental Rites:  Ordination. In preparation for this week’s session, please take a look at ‘The Examination’ for a deacon (BCP pg. 545), a priest (pg. 531), and for a bishop (pg. 517).  Please take note of what is different from one to the other.  Let’s discuss!  Perhaps you would feel comfortable in delivering the closing prayer? There are so many wonderful Prayers and Collects to share with the group, from our BCP. Attendance at every session is not required.

Chapter Eight handout, click here.

With peace,
Father Rick, Bob Mosebach, and Wanda Stoltzfus

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84479709447?pwd=OWlobm83TDgwNlVoK3hFbjBlWnZSdz09

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbq2eaazXj


Friday Evening Prayer – February 19th
We invite you to Evening Prayer this Friday evening at 7:00 PM.  This is a wonderful way to peacefully end our week and is led by Patrick Ishler.
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

Sunday Evening Prayer, February 21st at 7:00 PM:  We use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and the readings for the Sunday Lectionary.  It is a quiet service and a good way to end the weekend and prepare for the week to come.  Anyone interested can send me an email to be put on an email distribution list:  [email protected]

Sunday Evening Prayer @ 7:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95355083080

Meeting ID: 953 5508 3080

 

Ash Wednesday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – February 17, 2021

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s – Lancaster & St. Luke’s – Mount Joy,

The Reverend Dr. Rick Bauer, St. Edward’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster and The Reverend Ingrid Andersen, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mount Joy, welcome you to our combined Ash Wednesday service at 12 Noon, tomorrow, February 17th.

Please know, we extend our warm invitation of worship to our parishioners, and to those in the wider community, as we continue to worship from our homes, via YouTube Live, in accordance with the Bishop’s pastoral letter to the parishes in our diocese to suspend in-person gathering during this Covidtide.  We are one community of faith, worshipping together.

If you have not had the opportunity to pick up ashes, our special Ash Wednesday prayer card, or consecrated wafers, please know that the parish will be open at 10 AM tomorrow morning, giving you time to stop by and pick up your Ash Wednesday and Lenten items.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

As we enter our evening space, enveloped in the unfathomable love and never ending mercy of God, let us keep in our hearts, and in our prayers, Linda and Hank Spire as Linda mourns the passing of her brother, Pete Davenport.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Below are the necessary links for our Ash Wednesday service at noon, February 17th.

Click here to connect with the St. Edward’s YouTube Channel

Click here to download the Ash Wednesday service bulletin


 

Please join us on Ash Wednesday EVENING AT 7:00 PM, VIA ZOOM,
as Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church has invited sister parishes to an
Ash Wednesday service of Loss and Lament

Time: Feb 17, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting (click link)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84148020832

Meeting ID: 841 4802 0832

One tap mobile
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+13017158592,,84148020832# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
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+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 841 4802 0832
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbjyZaFh8D

 

St. Edward’s Monday Message – February 15th

Dear parishioners & friends of St. Edward’s,

It was so nice to see people stop by church today!  Many faces we have not seen in a long time.  Thank you for taking the time to visit us –  it makes our day special. We encourage you to stop by anytime, Monday – Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM, but especially in the next 2 days to pick up consecrated wafers, ashes, Ash Wednesday prayer cards, Scepters, Lenten Meditation booklets, and NEW parish directories.  All good things to start you on your Lenten journey and to stay connected with each other.

As we begin our individual and private Lenten journeys, remember, if we persevere, we will thrive, as we always have done.

It seems perfect to start the week with A Collect for the Presence of Christ, from The Book of Common Prayer, page 124.

A Collect for the Presence of Christ
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.

In speaking with Rayelenn today, she expressed such gratitude for the wonderful selection of delicious baked goods.  But, now we would like to “mix it up” a little bit,  and swap out “baked goods” for soups an stews.  So, if you are a soup or stew maker, please consider contacting the parish office to let us know if you would like to make your favorite dish for us to deliver to Rayelenn on our every-other-Thursday schedule.  Meat, chicken, spicy, or hearty – whatever your specialty may be.  NO seafood, please.  As they say, “we are accepting reservations!”  This is a wonderful ministry that is providing comfort in immeasurable ways.

Sending handwritten cards and notes, with memories, photos, and favorite stories to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth is another wonderful ministry that is providing great comfort.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please email the parish office for the mailing addresses for Emily and Elizabeth.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Worship News:
In case you missed it, click to view the Sunday Service for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, February 14th 


To begin, click here to download our pdf with details of our Ash Wednesday offerings.
The Ash Wednesday service bulletin and YouTube link information will be in a special Worship email TOMORROW, Tuesday, February 16th

On Thursday, we will offer a special link to a Stations of the Cross offering for Lent, via our St. Edward’s YouTube channel – a collaboration of St. Edward’s and St. Luke’s, Mount Joy.  Within the message, we will also offer a pdf of The Way of the Cross.

Lenten Meditations 2021 booklets:  Episcopal Relief & Development offers a wonderful booklet of meditations to take you through your Lenten journey.  This year, ER&D is offering this booklet in an online version.  You can click here to download the pdf.  We will also do on-demand printing of the booklet pdf for those who would like a printed copy to take home.  Just let us know if you would like a printed copy!

Looking for an additional Lenten Devotional Resource?  St. Luke’s Mount Joy offers us  “Living Well Through Lent” by clicking here.

Click here to access our Worship page on our sainteds.org web site.

Pastoral Lenten Letter from Bishop Scanlan:  Please click here to read Bishop Scanlan’s message to us, the members of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.

Parish Business News:
Tuesday, February 16th: 6 PM – 8 PM
 – Vestry meeting via Zoom

We have posted our slate of 2021 Vestry candidates for the parish to review.  You can click on this page link to view our candidates’ bios.  Just scroll down past the Vestry page introduction to view our candidates’ information.

Annual Meeting:  The St. Edward’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 7th at 11:15 AM via Zoom.  Invitation details will be forthcoming that will have Zoom link information and a link to the Annual Report pdf.  If you are interested in being a Diocesan Convention Delegate for 2021, please contact the parish office by February 22nd to submit your name.  We are seeking 4 delegates.  If you are a ministry leader, you were sent an email last week with a copy of your 2019 Annual Report for you to update for this year’s submission.  We are seeking the reports to be returned to the parish office by Friday, February 26th.

Scepter articles, photos, announcements are due by Saturday, February 20th for our March issue.  Please submit your items to Mac Miller at:  [email protected]

We will be renewing the St. Edward’s BJ’s membership by next Friday, February 26th.  You can then go to the customer service desk to renew your individual card.  If you would like to learn more about signing up for a membership, contact the parish office.

Ministry and Outreach Opportunities:


Soles for Souls:  St. Edward’s is participating in a shoe drive with Saint John’s of Lancaster during the Lenten season. Starting Ash Wednesday, February 17th, through Palm Sunday, March 28th, parishioners are invited to donate used shoes.  The shoes can be lightly used to falling apart.   Soles 4 Souls will send the shoes to impoverished countries to give the people an opportunity to provide relief, create jobs, and empower people to break the cycle of poverty.  Collection boxes will be placed in the sanctuary (near the Praise Band instruments) and in the Christian Education wing. Please tie any laced shoes together and rubber and other types.  There is also a need for shipping boxes approximately the size of an office paper box. Should you have any questions, please contact:  Lynch’s, Milligan’s, Ishler’s, Peg Reiley, or Leslie Arnold.

Our faithful support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry is so appreciated.  Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves, through monetary and food donations.


Altar Flower Ministry – 
Four weeks ago, we were seeking 41 commitments to fill in our annual altar flower chart.  With an outpouring of donations, we are now only in need of 9 to complete our yearly chart.  We hope you will prayerfully consider donating to this ministry in thanksgiving for or in memory of those in your life.


MINISTRY, WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP CALENDAR VIA ZOOM
New and Updated: Adult Spiritual Formation – Winter 2021 Flier – Click here to view/download
Click here to access our Adult Spiritual Formation page on our web site.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study – Wednesday, February 17th – We will not hold the scheduled Bible study session this Ash Wednesday.  Please join us next week when we resume.

For this week, we invite you to join St. Luke’s, Mount Joy for an Ash Wednesday service of Loss and Lament, via Zoom.   The details are below:

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church is inviting you to an Ash Wednesday service of Loss and Lament
Time: Feb 17, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84148020832

Meeting ID: 841 4802 0832
One tap mobile
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+13017158592,,84148020832# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 841 4802 0832
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbjyZaFh8D

Friday Lunch & Learn:  February 19th 12 Noon – 1 PM via Zoom
We continue our study with Chapter 8 in our text, Walk in Love, For the Benefit of Your Holy Church – Sacramental Rites:  Ordination. In preparation for this week’s session, please take a look at ‘The Examination’ for a deacon (BCP pg. 545), a priest (pg. 531), and for a bishop (pg. 517).  Please take note of what is different from one to the other.  Let’s discuss!  Perhaps you would feel comfortable in delivering the closing prayer? There are so many wonderful Prayers and Collects to share with the group, from our BCP. Attendance at every session is not required.

Chapter Eight handout, click here.

With peace,
Father Rick, Bob Mosebach, and Wanda Stoltzfus

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84479709447?pwd=OWlobm83TDgwNlVoK3hFbjBlWnZSdz09

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (Houston)

+16699006833,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbq2eaazXj

Friday Evening Prayer – February 19th
We invite you to Evening Prayer this Friday evening at 7:00 PM.  This is a wonderful way to peacefully end our week and is led by Patrick Ishler.
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s: Last Sunday after the Epiphany – February 14, 2021

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to our online worship and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany.  All essential links are noted below. 

I prayerfully request that we continue to refrain from gathering with other parishioners in public groups, particularly in restaurants, indoor spaces, or even outdoors without masks. COVID-19 is not a hoax.  We are all in this together, and honoring our parish community, by complying with the recommendations set forth during this time, conveys our love for God in Christ, the members of our parish family, and the wider community.

Here are two links that may be helpful:

Lancaster County, PA COVID-19 Hub

PA Department of Health

Father Rick +


As we plan our celebrations for Valentine’s Day, let us not forget, on this special day, that genuine love, the love that truly lifts up and celebrates, is a kind and selfless love of one human being for another.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

We continue to offer our love and support to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth by staying in touch with cards and letters of comfort.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please contact the parish office for the addresses of Emily Casey and Elizabeth Casey Stauffer. 

We leave you with this passage from 1 John 4:12

No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

And we pray:  For Clergy and People 

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our bishops, and other clergy, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Sunday Service Information:

Click here to connect to the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, February 14th, which will be live streamed at 10:00 AM on Sunday.  

Click here to download our service bulletin for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany.

*If you enjoy the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA YouTube channel, and you have a Gmail or YouTube account, the next time you tune in, please click the red SUBSCRIBE button on the home page to be included as a subscriber to St. Edward’s!  We would welcome the support and we will not generate any unwanted notifications to you.  Become a part of our St. Edward’s community!   Thank you to those who have subscribed! 


We also wanted to take this opportunity to share with you important announcements regarding upcoming events, as well as prayer and adult spiritual formation opportunities.

We continue to honor the guidance delivered by our bishop, as well as our love of God in Christ, to care for one another, by remaining socially distanced, and refrain from in-person worship and gathering.  There are many opportunities for us to worship, and perform ministry, in community, in other ways, during this continued Covidtide. Please see a listing below and stay tuned to our weekly emails, web site posts, and Sunday bulletins for updates on specific details, as we are updated, with times and links. We invite you to celebrate with us, as a community of faith!

Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday, February 14th, from 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM, on Zoom. Hosted by Christina McLaughlin. Let us share our fellowship with one another during our extended Covidtide. The Zoom join code and pass code are in your Saturday email.

Please continue your support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry. Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Souls 4 Souls: St. Edward’s will be participating in a shoe drive with Saint John’s of Lancaster during the Lenten season. Starting Ash Wednesday, February 17 through Palm Sunday, March 28th parishioners are invited to donate used shoes. The shoes can be lightly used to falling apart. Collection boxes will be placed in the sanctuary. Please tie any laced shoes together and rubber and other types. There is also a need for shipping boxes approximately the size of an office paper box. Any questions can be directed to the Social Outreach Ministry (Lynch’s, Milligan’s, Ishler’s, Peg Reiley, or Leslie Arnold.)

Articles, announcements, and pictures for the March Scepter are due Saturday, February 20th. Please send items to [email protected]

Please prayerfully consider supporting the Altar Flower ministry. We are seeking 10 commitments complete our 2021 calendar. The responsive generosity has been so wonderful and we thank you for your faithfulness in keeping this ministry in place. Please contact the parish office with questions on how to donate and submit your remembrance.

Our Monday email details ALL parish business items including: The posting of bios for our vestry nominees and details surrounding our March 4th Annual Meeting – a very important event in the life of St. Edward’s.

Please come by St. Edward’s Monday – Wednesday, 11 AM – 3 PM to pick up ashes, consecrated wafers, Scepters, New 2021 Parish Directories, Lenten Mediations, etc.

Ash Wednesday service will be live streamed at Noon on our St. Edward’s YouTube Channel. Please look for a special email on TUESDAY, 02/16 with links.

St. Edward’s is offering a full complement of Adult Spiritual Formation which continues through Lent! We are also fortunate to present worship and formation offerings, during Lent, by our sister parish, St. Luke’s, Mount Joy, as well as a collaborative Stations of The Cross, which we will feature on the St. Edward’s YouTube Channel after Ash Wednesday. Please look for details in the Monday/Thursday emails. Please check your weekly emails which will have all the study details & Zoom invitation details.

Bible Study: Wednesday Evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: For questions, please contact Bob Mosebach at [email protected] or Leslie Arnold at [email protected].

Lunch & Learn: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices: Fridays from 12 Noon – 1 PM led by Bob Mosebach

Friday Evening Prayer: Each Friday at 7:00 PM hosted by Patrick and Dina Ishler

Sunday Evening Prayer: Each Sunday at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested can send Br. David Rutledge an email to be put on an email distribution list: [email protected] Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95355083080 Meeting ID: 953 5508 3080

Besides prayers, calls, cards and emails, there is one more thing you can do to support St. Edward’s. Please keep up-to-date with your pledge or regular contribution.  Pledges/giving can be mailed to the church, and we also have an easy-to-use “Give to St. Edward’s” button on our website that links to our secure Paypal page, as well as a “Donate” button on our YouTube Channel home page.

To assist parishes, the diocese has set up online giving for each parish.  If you feel comfortable making your weekly giving or pledge donation in this manner (it is a secure giving tool), simply go to the diocesan web site, click on the tab up top and it will take you to a page where you can scroll down, find St. Edward’s, and continue with making your contribution!  Thank you for maintaining your faithfulness through your financial stewardship!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

St. Edward’s Monday Message – February 8th

Dear parishioners & friends of St. Edward’s,

We thought we would keep the theme of winter as our featured image as the polar vortex sends our temperatures to an official beyond chilly status, and it appears we are in for a snowy week.  It was so nice to have people stop by, and call, today to say hello and to pick up their consecrated wafers, Scepters, Lenten Meditations booklets, as well as drop off their offerings.  We thank you for your stewardship, generosity, and coming to see us at your spiritual home!  It is a joy!  There is much news to mention in today’s message so please read the different segments below, carefully.  You don’t want to miss out on upcoming event, ministry, and spiritual formation details.

It seems like a good week to open with a Collect for Peace, from The Book of Common Prayer, page 258.  We have so much to be thankful for, but we can never pray too much for love and peace in our world – love is very peaceful for everyone, everywhere.

For Peace
Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

We convey to you a heartfelt message from Rayelenn, in response to the publication of our special Scepter edition dedicated to the life and legacy of Stephen+.

This is a work of love.
This is a work of deep love.
These words and pictures are beautiful to me.
These words represent the words and thoughts of so many others who couldn’t contribute but who loved Stephen and grieve his loss.
I thank St Edward’s and all the dear dear people there — friends of my heart — and Father Rick, Michelle, and especially Mac Miller for making this possible.
We will always always treasure it. 

– Rayelenn

If you have not seen this special Scepter issue, please click here to view online.  We also have printed copies at church.

Sending handwritten cards and notes, with memories, photos, and favorite stories to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth is a wonderful way to let them know they continue to be in our hearts and prayers.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please contact the parish office if you would like addresses for Emily and Elizabeth.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Worship News:
In case you missed it, click to view the Sunday Service for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 7th 

We continue to offer consecrated wafers for our service of Holy Eucharist this Sunday, safely packaged and available in the narthex.  Please enter through our front doors between the hours of 11 AM – 3 PM.  If you are in need of delivery of wafers, Scepters, etc. please contact the parish office.  


To begin, click here to download our pdf with details of our Ash Wednesday offerings.
The Ash Wednesday service bulletin and YouTube link information will be in a special Worship email on Tuesday, February 16th.
In this same email, we will offer a special link to a Stations of the Cross offering for Lent, via our St. Edward’s YouTube channel – a collaboration of St. Edward’s and St. Luke’s, Mt. Joy.  Within the message, we will also offer a pdf of The Way of the Cross.

Lenten Meditations 2021 booklets:  Episcopal Relief & Development offers a wonderful booklet of meditations to take you through your Lenten journey.  This year, ER&D is offering this booklet in an online version.  You can click here to download the pdf.  We will also do on-demand printing of the booklet pdf for those who would like a printed copy to take home.  Just let us know if you would like a printed copy!


Parish Business News:
We have posted our slate of 2021 Vestry candidates for the parish to review.  You can click on this page link to view our candidates’ bios.  Just scroll down past the Vestry page introduction to view our candidates’ information.


Annual Meeting:
  The St. Edward’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 7th at 11:15 AM via Zoom.  Invitation details will be forthcoming that will have Zoom link information and a link to the Annual Report pdf.  If you are interested in being a Diocesan Convention Delegate for 2021, please contact the parish office by February 22nd to submit your name.  We are seeking 4 delegates.  If you are a ministry leader, please be on the lookout in the next 2 days for an email that will include a copy of your 2019 Annual Report for you to update for this year’s submission.  We are seeking the reports to be returned to the parish office by Friday, February 26th.


New Parish directories are a bit delayed but will be available by next Monday, February 15th so you can pick one up when you come by for consecrated wafers and your Ash Wednesday cards, on Monday – Wednesday, prior to our Ash Wednesday noon service, which will be viewed via the St. Edward’s YouTube channel.

February grocery cards will be in your parish mailboxes by this Wednesday.

Ministry and Outreach Opportunities:


Soles for Souls:  St. Edward’s will be participating in a shoe drive with Saint John’s of Lancaster during the Lenten season. Starting Ash Wednesday, February 17th, through Palm Sunday, March 28th, parishioners are invited to donate used shoes.  The shoes can be lightly used to falling apart.   Soles 4 Souls will send the shoes to impoverished countries to give the people an opportunity to provide relief, create jobs, and empower people to break the cycle of poverty.  Collection boxes will be placed in the sanctuary (near the Praise Band instruments) and in the Christian Education wing. Please tie any laced shoes together and rubber and other types.  There is also a need for shipping boxes approximately the size of an office paper box. Should you have any questions, please contact:  Lynch’s, Milligan’s, Ishler’s, Peg Reiley, or Leslie Arnold.

Our faithful support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry is so appreciated.  Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves, through monetary and food donations.


Altar Flower Ministry – 
Three weeks ago, we were seeking 41 commitments to fill in our annual altar flower chart.  With an outpouring of donations, we are now needing 20 to complete our yearly chart.  We hope you will prayerfully consider donating to this ministry in thanksgiving for or in memory of those in your life.


MINISTRY, WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP CALENDAR VIA ZOOM
New and Updated: Adult Spiritual Formation – Winter 2021 Flier – Click here to view/download


Wednesday Evening Bible Study – Wednesday, February 10th – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: The focus for this session, led by Father Rick, will be on the Gospel of Mark from an Anglican/Episcopal perspective. Our Study Guide will be: Borg, Marcus (2019), Conversations with Scripture – The Gospel of Mark (Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars Study). For questions, please contact Bob Mosebach at [email protected] or Leslie Arnold at [email protected] with any questions.

ZOOM INVITE DETAILS:
Topic: St. Edward’s Episcopal Church Bible Study
Time: February 10, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86252772937?pwd=RWVWNGVuQWh3NU9keWRXMWxFczg5UT09
Meeting ID: 862 5277 2937
Passcode: 201150

One tap mobile
+19292056099,,86252772937#,,,,*201150# US (New York)
+13017158592,,86252772937#,,,,*201150# US (Washington D.C)

Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 862 5277 2937
Passcode: 201150
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdkn9E94ds

We will also continue (Join us!!) with Part 3 of our 3-part series, led by Br. David Rutledge focusing on using the BCP for Morning and Evening Prayer. Resources needed:  1979 Book of Common Prayer and a Bible (your choice of translation). Episcopal Church Calendar  https://www.churchpublishing.org/episcopalchurchyearguidekalendar2021  (contact your parish office).
Contact Br David Rutledge for more information:  drutledge1225@gmail.com

Zoom details are below:

Topic: Using the BCP for Morning and Evening Prayer
Time: Feb 11, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83908180375?pwd=WkZMK3RoczlZc2tRbFB3cktRbXJrUT09
Meeting ID: 839 0818 0375
Passcode: 542551

One tap mobile
+19292056099,,83908180375#,,,,*542551# US (New York)
+13126266799,,83908180375#,,,,*542551# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 839 0818 0375
Passcode: 542551
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcJhyLma0e

Friday Lunch & Learn Adult Spiritual Formation:  February 12th 12 Noon – 1 PM via Zoom
We continue our study with Chapter 8 in our text, Walk in Love, For the Benefit of Your Holy Church – Sacramental Rites:  Ordination. In preparation for this week’s session, please take a look at ‘The Examination’ for a deacon (BCP pg. 545), a priest (pg. 531), and for a bishop (pg. 517).  Please take note of what is different from one to the other.  Let’s discuss!  Perhaps you would feel comfortable in delivering the closing prayer? There are so many wonderful Prayers and Collects to share with the group, from our BCP. Attendance at every session is not required.

Chapter Eight handout, click here.

With peace,
Father Rick, Bob Mosebach, and Wanda Stoltzfus

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84479709447?pwd=OWlobm83TDgwNlVoK3hFbjBlWnZSdz09

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (Houston)

+16699006833,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbq2eaazXj

Friday Evening Prayer – February 12th
We invite you to Evening Prayer this Friday evening at 7:00 PM.  This is a wonderful way to peacefully end our week and is led by Patrick Ishler.
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

 

Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 7, 2021

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to our online worship and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.  All essential links are noted below. 

Due to the alarming rise in cases within Lancaster County and here in our own township, I prayerfully request that we continue to refrain from gathering with other parishioners in public groups, particularly in restaurants, indoor spaces, or even outdoors without masks. COVID-19 is not a hoax.  We are all in this together, and honoring our parish community, by complying with the recommendations set forth during this time, conveys our love for God in Christ, the members of our parish family, and the wider community.

Here are two links that may be helpful:

Lancaster County, PA COVID-19 Hub

PA Department of Health

Father Rick +


We have posted our special edition of the February Scepter, dedicated to the memory of The Reverend Canon Stephen C. Casey – our beloved Father Stephen+.  Such wonderful memories and photos submitted by so many.  A huge “thank you”  to Mac Miller for creating such a beautiful publication for us to read and share. Please click the link below to view online.  We will also have copies in print for you to pick up next week.

February 2021 Scepter:  Click Here

We continue to offer our love and support to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth by staying in touch with cards and letters of comfort.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please contact the parish office for the addresses of Emily Casey and Elizabeth Casey Stauffer. 


As we close our message for tonight, let us take a moment to pray for those in our parish family, and in our greater human family, who are suffering from COVID19, and all manner of illness, loneliness, anxiety, and fear for their general well-being in these stressful times.  Let us remember to be kind to each other and reach out to one another with a phone call, a note, an email and lift each other up as we continue to persevere through these extraordinary times.

In our Friday Lunch & Learn, we have been discovering the Ministration to the Sick portion of The Book of Common Prayer, beginning on page 453.  It is filled with wonderful prayers that can be a comfort to ourselves, and in saying to and for one another.  Tonight, we offer a prayer from Prayers for the Sick, on page 458.

For Recovery from Sickness

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant(s) the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle


Sunday Service Information:

Click here to connect to the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 7th, which will be live streamed at 10:00 AM on Sunday.  

Click here to download our service bulletin for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.

*If you enjoy the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA YouTube channel, and you have a Gmail or YouTube account, the next time you tune in, please click the red SUBSCRIBE button on the home page to be included as a subscriber to St. Edward’s!  We would welcome the support and we will not generate any unwanted notifications to you.  Become a part of our St. Edward’s community!   Thank you to those who have subscribed! 


We also wanted to take this opportunity to share with you important announcements regarding upcoming events, as well as prayer and adult spiritual formation opportunities.

We continue to honor the guidance delivered by our bishop, as well as our love of God in Christ, to care for one another, by remaining socially distanced, and refrain from in-person worship and gathering.  There are many opportunities for us to worship, and perform ministry, in community, in other ways, during this continued Covidtide. Please see a listing below and stay tuned to our weekly emails, web site posts, and Sunday bulletins for updates on specific details, as we are updated, with times and links. We invite you to celebrate with us, as a community of faith!

Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday, February 7th, from 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM, on Zoom. Hosted by Christina McLaughlin. Let us share our fellowship with one another during our extended Covidtide.  The Zoom join code and pass code are in your Saturday email message.

Please remember we offer consecrated communion wafers, available to be picked up Monday – Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM, in the narthex.

Please continue your support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry. Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Please prayerfully consider supporting the Altar Flower ministry. We are seeking 21 commitments to complete our 2021 calendar.  We are so appreciative of the robust and generous support to date!  Please contact the parish office with questions on how to donate and submit your remembrance.

Please check your Monday email for times when the Scepter, new directory, and grocery cards will be available.  Our goal is to have things at the ready on Tuesday when the parish office opens at 10 AM.

Also, next week we will be detailing Ash Wednesday and Lenten offerings, so please check your weekly emails and our web site.

Also, next week we will be posting bios for our vestry nominees and disseminating other details surrounding our March 4th Annual Meeting – a very important event in the life of St. Edward’s

St. Edward’s is offering a full complement of Adult Spiritual Formation which continues through Lent! Please check your weekly emails which will have all the study details & Zoom invitation details.

Praying Morning and Evening Prayer using the 1979 Book of Common Prayer: February 11th from 7:00-8:30 PM: Contact Br. David Rutledge for more information & to register, by 01/25: [email protected]

Bible Study: Wednesday Evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: For questions, please contact Bob Mosebach at [email protected] or Leslie Arnold at [email protected].

Lunch & Learn: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices: Fridays from 12 Noon – 1 PM led by Bob Mosebach

Friday Evening Prayer: Each Friday at 7:00 PM hosted by Patrick and Dina Ishler

NEW OFFERING: Sunday Evening Prayer: Each Sunday at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested can send Br. David Rutledge an email to be put on an email distribution list: [email protected] Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95355083080 Meeting ID: 953 5508 3080

Besides prayers, calls, cards and emails, there is one more thing you can do to support St. Edward’s. Please keep up-to-date with your pledge or regular contribution.  Pledges/giving can be mailed to the church, and we also have an easy-to-use “Give to St. Edward’s” button on our website that links to our secure Paypal page, as well as a “Donate” button on our YouTube Channel home page.

To assist parishes, the diocese has set up online giving for each parish.  If you feel comfortable making your weekly giving or pledge donation in this manner (it is a secure giving tool), simply go to the diocesan web site, click on the tab up top and it will take you to a page where you can scroll down, find St. Edward’s, and continue with making your contribution!  Thank you for maintaining your faithfulness through your financial stewardship!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: January 31, 2021

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to our online worship and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.  All essential links are noted below. 

Due to the alarming rise in cases within Lancaster County and here in our own township, I prayerfully request that we continue to refrain from gathering with other parishioners in public groups, particularly in restaurants, indoor spaces, or even outdoors without masks. COVID-19 is not a hoax.  We are all in this together, and honoring our parish community, by complying with the recommendations set forth during this time, conveys our love for God in Christ, the members of our parish family, and the wider community.

Here are two links that may be helpful:

Lancaster County, PA COVID-19 Hub

PA Department of Health

Father Rick +


What a wonderful celebration of life for Stephen+ at St. Edward’s, today.  Our deepest thanks to Bishop Audrey Scanlan and Bishop Nathan Baxter for providing such words of comfort and love for Rayelenn, Emily, Elizabeth, Sadie, and Emma and for all of those who loved Stephen+ far and wide. Thank you to the musicians and vocalists for their uplifting and inspiring musical selections and hymns.  It was amazing to see the outpouring of love and prayers in our wider community during the service.  Please know that we were able to forward all of your good wishes to Rayelenn and the family in a printed transcript.  Please continue to keep Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth in your daily prayers as they so appreciate the love and support from all of us – even in our quiet ways. . . they feel the love!

Cards of condolence and comfort can be sent to:
Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please contact the parish office for the addresses of Emily Casey and Elizabeth Casey Stauffer. 

A Collect for Saturdays – from The Book of Common Prayer, Page 99
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Sunday Service Information:

Click here to connect to the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, January 31st, which will be live streamed at 10:00 AM on Sunday.  

Click here to download our service bulletin for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.

*If you enjoy the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA YouTube channel, and you have a Gmail or YouTube account, the next time you tune in, please click the red SUBSCRIBE button on the home page to be included as a subscriber to St. Edward’s!  We would welcome the support and we will not generate any unwanted notifications to you.  Become a part of our St. Edward’s community!   

We also wanted to take this opportunity to share with you important announcements regarding upcoming events, as well as prayer and adult spiritual formation opportunities.

We continue to honor the guidance delivered by our bishop, as well as our love of God in Christ, to care for one another, by remaining socially distanced, and refrain from in-person worship and gathering.  There are many opportunities for us to worship, and perform ministry, in community, in other ways, during this continued Covidtide. Please see a listing below and stay tuned to our weekly emails, web site posts, and Sunday bulletins for updates on specific details, as we are updated, with times and links. We invite you to celebrate with us, as a community of faith!


Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday, January 31st, from 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM, on Zoom. Hosted by Christina McLaughlin. Let us share our fellowship with one another during our extended Covidtide.  The Zoom join code and pass code were in your Saturday email.


We will be compiling a new parish directory which will be available on February 7th. If you have not indicated any information change since our 2020 directory, we will use what we have on file. If you did not indicate that you would like your contact information printed in our parish directory, but would like to be included, please contact the parish office by Monday.  No worries if you miss this deadline, we will make edits after our Annual Meeting in March and that will give people another opportunity to be included.

There is still time to submit your photos and written reflections for our February Scepter, in Memory of The Rev. Canon Stephen C. Casey. This issue will be a special issue devoted to the life, legacy, and ministry of The Rev. Canon Stephen C. Casey, encompassing his 20 years, as our rector, at St. Edward’s.  Please forward your images and written words no later than Monday, February 1st.  We will forward them on to Mac Miller, so she can work her magic in creating this special issue.

Fresh altar flowers grace our altar shelves each week through the generous donations from parishioners. These flowers are in memory of those whom we love, and in thanksgiving for the blessings in our lives. There are 41 weeks in a calendar year that we seek donations of $100 for our altar flowers, with the remembrance printed in our bulletin and read during the Prayers of the People. We are happy to report that in just 2 weeks since we have put our request out to fill in our weeks, we have received commitments for 17 Sundays in 2021! We are seeking 24 additional commitments. It is our hope that you will prayerfully consider donating to this important ministry. Please contact the parish office with questions on how to donate and submit your remembrance.

We have exciting Spiritual Formation opportunities to engage in starting in January, 2021.  Click here to get an overview, but please pay attention to weekly emails which will provide the Zoom invitation details.

Besides prayers, calls, cards and emails, there is one more thing you can do to support St. Edward’s. Please keep up-to-date with your pledge or regular contribution.  Pledges/giving can be mailed to the church, and we also have an easy-to-use “Give to St. Edward’s” button on our website that links to our secure Paypal page, as well as a “Donate” button on our YouTube Channel home page.

To assist parishes, the diocese has set up online giving for each parish.  If you feel comfortable making your weekly giving or pledge donation in this manner (it is a secure giving tool), simply go to the diocesan web site, click on the tab up top and it will take you to a page where you can scroll down, find St. Edward’s, and continue with making your contribution!  Thank you for maintaining your faithfulness through your financial stewardship!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

To learn more about St. Edward’s, please join us via our website, YouTube Channel, or Facebook page.

Funeral Service for The Reverend Canon Stephen Charles Casey – January 30, 2021


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St. Edward’s welcomes friends, near and far, on Saturday, January 30th at 1:45 pm (EST), to join us, in community with Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth, via our live stream public service, as we celebrate the life of our beloved Stephen+. (Please join us early, to listen to the beautiful prelude music, with the service starting at 2:00 pm)

Adhering to the guidelines of the CDC and safety for all, this is a private family service, and the public is welcome to worship with us via viewing the service on the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church YouTube Channel.

Please note that this service is a “live” event only, on the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church YouTube Channel, on January 30th at 1:45 pm.  Once the service has concluded, it will not be available for viewing. Hence, we encourage people to please mark your calendar for this date and time to worship with us.

By clicking here, you will access the St. Edward’s YouTube Channel to view the service and download the service bulletin.

Click here to download the service bulletin pdf. (The link will also be available in the YouTube Live post).

To read about the wonderful journey of the life of Stephen+ you can click here to link to the obituary and memorials page for The Reverend Canon Stephen C. Casey on The Groff Funeral and Cremation Services. 

Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – Third Sunday after the Epiphany: January 24, 2021

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to our online worship and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the Third Sunday after the Epiphany.  All essential links are noted below. 

Due to the alarming rise in cases within Lancaster County and here in our own township, I prayerfully request that we continue to refrain from gathering with other parishioners in public groups, particularly in restaurants, indoor spaces, or even outdoors without masks. COVID-19 is not a hoax.  We are all in this together, and honoring our parish community, by complying with the recommendations set forth during this time, conveys our love for God in Christ, the members of our parish family, and the wider community.

Here are two links that may be helpful:

Lancaster County, PA COVID-19 Hub

PA Department of Health

Father Rick +


It is hard not to look up to the sky, day or night, these days, in reflection and prayer. For me, it is quite meditative and truly speaks to God’s awesome presence in our lives.

   
It brings to my mind, from the Book of Common Prayer, page 88-89, a portion of this Canticle:

12 A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini

I The Cosmic Order
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark. Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Let us keep Rayelenn, Emily, Elizabeth, Sadie, and Emma in our deep prayer as they continue to grieve the loss of Stephen+.

Cards of condolence and comfort can be sent to:
Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Sunday Service Information:

Click here to connect to the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, January 24th, which will be live streamed at 10:00 AM on Sunday.  

Click here to download our service bulletin for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany.

*If you enjoy the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA YouTube channel, and you have a Gmail or YouTube account, the next time you tune in, please click the red SUBSCRIBE button on the home page to be included as a subscriber to St. Edward’s!  We would welcome the support and we will not generate any unwanted notifications to you.  Become a part of our St. Edward’s community!   


We also wanted to take this opportunity to share with you important announcements regarding upcoming events, as well as prayer and adult spiritual formation opportunities.

We continue to honor the guidance delivered by our bishop, as well as our love of God in Christ, to care for one another, by remaining socially distanced, and refrain from in-person worship and gathering.  There are many opportunities for us to worship, and perform ministry, in community, in other ways, during this continued Covidtide. Please see a listing below and stay tuned to our weekly emails, web site posts, and Sunday bulletins for updates on specific details, as we are updated, with times and links. We invite you to celebrate with us, as a community of faith!


Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday, January 24th, from 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM, on Zoom. Hosted by Christina McLaughlin. Let us share our fellowship with one another during our extended Covidtide.  Your Zoom join code and pass code are in your Saturday email message.


At St. Edward’s, we have two ministries, we would like to call to your attention, in need of parishioner support:

Our first, is our continued support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry. So many of our neighbors are in dire need. St. Edward’s provided, generously, to this social outreach in 2020. The need continues in 2021, for both financial and food donations. Here is a food wish list for January: Spaghetti; Spaghetti sauce; Mac and cheese; Jelly; Peanut butter; Canned pears; Canned peaches; Instant oatmeal; Regular oatmeal. Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Our second, is our Altar Flower ministry. Thank you to so many who have responded in just this last week. We have gone from an empty flower chart to 12 commitments so far for 2021. We need just 29 more to fill our calendar! It is through the generous donations of parishioners that we beautify our altar shelves with fresh flowers. These symbolize for us, a lifting up of God’s creation and are displayed in memory of those whom we love, and in thanksgiving for the blessings in our lives. Such a subtle, yet important, component of our worship services at St. Edward’s. We seek donations of $100 for our altar flowers, with the remembrance printed in our bulletin and read during the Prayers of the People. Please contact the parish office with questions on how to donate and submit your remembrance.

February Scepter: In Memory of The Rev. Canon Stephen C. Casey Our February Scepter issue will be a special issue devoted to the life, legacy, and ministry of The Rev. Canon Stephen C. Casey, encompassing his 20 years, as our rector, at St. Edward’s. We all have wonderful images and memories to share about Stephen and we encourage you to share those with us for this issue. Please forward your images and written words to the parish office by Wednesday, January 27th. We will forward them on to Mac Miller, so she can work her magic in creating this special issue.

We have exciting Spiritual Formation opportunities to engage in starting in January, 2021.  Click here to get an overview, but please pay attention to weekly emails which will provide the Zoom invitation details.

Besides prayers, calls, cards and emails, there is one more thing you can do to support St. Edward’s. Please keep up-to-date with your pledge or regular contribution.  Pledges/giving can be mailed to the church, and we also have an easy-to-use “Give to St. Edward’s” button on our website that links to our secure Paypal page, as well as a “Donate” button on our YouTube Channel home page.

To assist parishes, the diocese has set up online giving for each parish.  If you feel comfortable making your weekly giving or pledge donation in this manner (it is a secure giving tool), simply go to the diocesan web site, click on the tab up top and it will take you to a page where you can scroll down, find St. Edward’s, and continue with making your contribution!  Thank you for maintaining your faithfulness through your financial stewardship!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

To learn more about St. Edward’s, please click our website, YouTube, or Facebook icons at the bottom of this email.